Archive for the 'Tomahawk' Tag Under 'Soundcheck' Category

Mike Patton crouches into attack mode at the Observatory. Photo: Chris Young, for the Register

Oddfellows is an apt title for the recently released fourth album from enigmatic alternative metal act Tomahawk, its first effort in six years. Comprising vocalist Mike Patton of Faith No More (among several other projects), drummer John Stanier of Battles, guitarist Duane Denison (formerly of Jesus Lizard) and bassist Trevor Dunn of Mr. Bungle, this quasi-supergroup meld unique musical backgrounds for challenging sonic treaties.

Stationed behind a laptop and keyboard, Patton crouched in an attack position to unleash some vocal blasts during the opening salvo, "God Hates a Coward," propelled by Stanier's steady snare snap. Denison started to attack his guitar for some high-pitched harmonics during "Flashback" as the mosh pit started to swirl in time.

A snake-like guitar lead kicked off the band's current title track, Patton dialing up his most menacing vocal tones. For a dip back into their album Mit Gas, samples of chirping birds kicked off "Bird Song," the song quickly entering the dark shadows of Tool with its metallic slide work and seismic bass rumble.

• Carrie Underwood: Missed seeing the country superstar's Blown Away Tour when it packed Staples Center last month? You're in luck. As was announced virtually the moment that show ended, Underwood will return to headline March 3 at Citizens Business Bank Arena, the venue she helped christen in 2008. Once again, roadmate Hunter Hayes opening. Tickets, $43.50-$66, go on sale Friday, Nov. 30, at 10 a.m.

• We Hate Hurricanes: Beck will join a lineup of funny people – Aziz Ansari, Sarah Silverman and Will Ferrell – for a Hurricane Sandy benefit Dec. 10 at Club Nokia, with proceeds going to AmeriCares. Mad Men star Jon Hamm will serve as MC, special guests are expected. Tickets, $38.50-$58.50, are on sale Saturday at 10 a.m.

Also at that L.A. Live venue: routinely acclaimed soul star Erykah Badu, Dec. 29, $45-$85; Excision, with Paper Diamond and Vaski, Feb. 9, $25-$39.50; and Queensrÿche ("starring Geoff Tate") celebrating the 25th anniversary of the prog-rock band's 1988 concept album Operation: Mindcrime by performing it in full, $19.50-$55. All of those are on sale Friday at 10 a.m.

• Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth: The notorious heavyweight champ brings his autobiographical Broadway success, directed by Spike Lee, to City National Grove of Anaheim on March 6. Tickets, $37.50-$67.60, go on sale next Friday, Dec. 7, at 10 a.m. Want to meet him? For $300, you get VIP access to a post-show meet-and- greet including a photograph with the iconic fighter. For $500, you also get a boxing glove he will sign on site.